Introducing Greenery into the living room

Having moved home last year we have busied ourselves working through each room of the house to get it just how we want it. The children have their rooms all set up, as it the play room. The dining room has been taken over by Mr. Boo’s LEGO collection but does at least feature a dining table in there.

One of the rooms we haven’t touched is the living room. Other than placing the furniture we already owned in it, it is still just as it was when we moved in. The same cream and orange patterned curtains hang at the windows and the magnolia walls are a blank canvas.

Having patio doors leading out onto the garden (we finally have a garden! After 16 years of being together we actually have a garden!), I am keen to make the very most of the flow between the two spaces.

This year the Pantone Colour Institute have announced that Greenery is their colour of the year for 2017. This works so well for me looking for inspiration to brighten up my living space and bring some of the outside, inside.

Whilst searching for inspiration on how I could add a couple of Greenery touches to my space without it feeling overpowering. I stumbled upon the fabulous A Residence Blog at Wayfair showcasing easy ideas on how to inject some Greenery into our homes.

Having read through Penny’s ideas I decided to sit in the middle of the floor looking the room from a different angle (rather than just from the comfort of my sofa). And as I looked around I started to think about the things that were missing from the room.

With two large grey sofas providing just about enough seating for us and family when they visit. I did ponder on adding an armchair in a contrasting Greenery tone. Although I have fallen in love with a rocking armchair, which I’m sure that Mr. Boo will say is impractical with a one-year-old pulling herself up onto everything… but look how beautiful it looks and perfect for sitting on the patio with too. With some new scatter cushions on the grey sofas to tie the look together. Complete with a throw draped across the back of the main sofa for when we all want to snuggle up for a family film night.

With family photos dominating the bookshelves I really wanted to add a small feature to the top of the sideboard (currently the dumping ground for books, paperwork and everything else). Whilst a plant would look lovely on here, I’m not very green fingered. Instead, I think a group of small vases with a couple of stems of fresh flowers will brighten up the space (and hopefully stop us dumping everything on there).

As I stared out through the patio doors I was aware of just how little colour we have out there. The fence could do with painting and the grass has seen better days after a summer of football games played on it. Adding a tower planter (artificial of course!) just outside the doors so that I can see the outside Greenery even on glummy days will help tie in the feel. Ready for the warmer spring days so that I can once again open the doors and enjoy the two spaces together.

We have a olive green wall in our kitchen, but we have tried to blend the inside and the outside together. There are plants in most rooms in the house and one wall in our living room is actually a woodland mural style wallpaper. We find it is very calming to bring the outdoors in and makes the house so light and fresh in the summer, yet cosy and snug in the winter.

The green looks very modern and fresh – very striking. I can see how it would work really well in a living room / sitting room. Looks great. Feeling inspired!

Kate Evans

February 23, 2017 / 11:00 am

Hello Sarah, It is something new or unique idea. I never read this type of blog before and I must say you have shared such a lovely blog. I feel so relaxed at greenery atmosphere. I will keep all your ideas in my mind for sure. Thanks!